I'm not sure that's fair. He had offers from the Premiership but wanted first team action. In doing so he's given himself another year to develop and progress. Am sure they'll be in the Premier next season but if not maybe then we can judge.
The choice though is awful. If Griffiths and Naismith are unavailable and Fletcher 'retired' that leaves us with what? Phillips, McBurnie, Russell, Burke, Brophy.. Stewart, probably, if he continues. Anyway, I think Clarke should pick him so he can spend a few days watching and getting an idea. So I'd choose Phillips, McBurnie, Burke (maybe), Stewart (possibly) and Shankland.